It would be nice to think that one coat could do it all. After all, a coat is a big investment in both money and shopping time. But the reality is that in Vancouver, there isn’t a single coat that can carry you through all the myriad demands of work, weather and social life. And so you need to build your coat wardrobe. Aside from technical sports-specific gear, here are the seven essential coats you need this season.

Lucky for us Vancouverites, we don’t get the ice, snow and sub-zero temperatures our sisters in other Canadian cities shiver through all winter. What we do get, though, is rain, and lots of it. And that makes a lightweight rain jacket an essential piece in every woman’s wardrobe. Look for a stylishly sporty style that you can layer over a fleece in winter or tuck in the bottom of your pack for emergencies while hiking in summer. Think waterproof-breathable fabrics, stylish design and quality material and fastenings.

The leather jacket

Leather is big news this fall, but it never really goes out of style. It’s a tough-chic layering piece that looks cool, but keeps you warm. Leather is also softer, suppler and sexier than it has ever been. A leather blazer is perfect worn for work over skinny trousers or a pencil skirt, while the super-trendy “moto” jacket is ideal for kicking around on weekends. But for ultra-luxe leather, consider a lovely shearling or leather overcoat in the season’s lusciously voluminous styles.

The cosy cardigan

Just as big as leather this year is knitwear, often as not worn as outerwear. True, it’s not exactly waterproof, and it won’t do much good in a snowstorm, but a long, drapey cardigan makes a beautiful indoor-outdoor layering piece on cool autumn days and those occasional warm days in January. It can also be an artful statement piece to wear by the fire on a country weekend getaway, and an easy-to-pack warming layer for business trips to chillier climes. Chic, cosy and surprisingly versatile.

The wardrobe workhorse

Choose wisely, because this is the coat you’ll be wearing almost every day. Every woman needs that workhorse piece that gets her to work and back no matter what the weather. It should be warm, reasonably waterproof and dressy enough for work, but versatile enough for weekends. In Vancouver, this can be your classic trench, or it can be a more technical insulated coat that’s still tailored and businesslike, or even a cloth overcoat, provided you’re not spending a lot of time outdoors in the rain. Chose one that covers well, does up fully and is timeless enough to last for at least a couple of years.

The go-everywhere puffa

Chances are you’re going places this winter. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway to Whistler, or a business trip to Toronto, the coat you want to pack is your bright, light puffa. These can scrunch down to almost nothing in your suitcase, then spring up with layers of downy warmth to protect you from the wind and cold and snow. Plus the chic ‘n’ sleek new styles won’t leave you looking like the Michelin man.

The colourful overcoat

Come the endlessly dull, grey days of February, you’ll be glad you invested in a spot of colour. Even though we tend to choose black and other neutrals for our investment pieces, a coloured coat can be surprisingly versatile and makes a fashion statement all on its own. Colour is one of the season’s big trends, especially in red, wine, burgundy, cassis and purple, which all happen to be especially flattering colours, especially for winter-pale skin.

The statement coat

This winter, go big or stay home. The biggest news in outerwear is just that — big. Volume is in. Think big shoulders and bold silhouettes, luxurious fabrications such as fur, leather and cashmere, and sleekly sophisticated details. These are coats that make an entrance, ideal for those big occasions, for those gala events and opening nights. These are also coats that have long-lasting appeal, worth the considerable investment. If you are looking for a coat that you will adore, this is it.

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